Project People Foundation, a US-based nonprofit organization, provides opportunities for low-income women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain a quality education, create a sustainable livelihood, and achieve financial independence.

HISTORY

Project People Foundation (PPF) was originally founded in 1995 to foster self-esteem among South African children by distributing 15,000 new black dolls that were donated on their behalf. Previously, due to apartheid, these children had never seen dolls made in their likeness. The Rev. Linda Tarry-Chard, PPF Founder & President, spearheaded this effort, then called the “Black Doll Project,” in collaboration with Ikamva Labantu, a social assistance agency in Cape Town. In 1996, PPF expanded its vision to promote the economic empowerment of black South African women and with Ikamva Labantu launched the “Crafting Social Change” program. This program trained and employed over 500 women to produce high-quality handcrafted items, including dolls, stuffed animals, home decorations and beaded jewelry. Most recently, PPF's "Bundles of Brightness" program has provided school uniforms and solar lanterns for historically disadvantaged students the townships of South Africa and villages of Uganda and rural areas of South Africa.

Throughout its history, Project People Foundation has been proud to count on the support of The Africa Fund, Kellogg Foundation, BP Foundation, Cedar Foundation, Avon Foundation, The Sister Fund, Central Synagogue, Marble Collegiate Church, The Links, 100 Black Men, Union Theological Seminary; The World Bank, The Gruenburg Foundation, The Riverside Church, DDB Worldwide and thousands of individual donors.